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Soil Testing
Reasons for Soil Testing
In North Carolina, most soils are naturally acidic and
low in nutrients. Both lime and fertilizer are required
for good plant growth and yield ( Fig. 1). Soil testing is
the best way to find out how much lime and fertilizer to
apply based on the crop and existing field conditions.
Without soil testing, managing crop nutrients is difficult
due to the complex nature of their interactions with the
soil. Acid soils, for example, can limit root growth and
cause certain nutrients to be unavailable for plants.
Unless soil acidity and pH are corrected through liming,
applying fertilizer may cause additional problems rather
than enhance yield.
Soil testing measures the soil’s nutrient- holding capacity
and provides a basis for sound land management
decisions. The lime and fertilizer recommendations
given on the soil test report are cost effective and help
optimize crop yield. Following these recommendations
also protects the environment by safeguarding against
excess fertilizer application.
Types of Soil Tests
The Agronomic Division of the N. C. Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services conducts soil tests
free of charge for all state residents. The tests can be
either predictive or diagnostic.
Predictive ( or routine) soil tests estimate the nutrient
requirements of the plants to be grown. Samples for
this kind of analysis are usually taken before the growing
season. The report provides site- specific lime and
fertilizer recommendations based on soil class, pH,
levels of nutrients in the soil, and crop requirements.
Diagnostic ( or problem) soil tests identify nutrient-related
problems that occur during the growing season.
They are like predictive soil tests, except that soluble
salt levels are also measured. Test results are reviewed
by a staff agronomist who makes recommendations for
adjustments in fertilization based on site- specific
circumstances.
N. C. Dept. of Agriculture
& Consumer Services 3,000 copies of this public document were printed
at a cost of $ 300.99 or $ 0.10 per copy.
A Strategy for Collecting Samples
Improperly collected soil samples are the weak link in
the soil testing process. For test results to be useful, the
sample must accurately reflect the variability and
conditions in the field. A sample from a single spot
cannot do this.
Before sampling, make a detailed map of your land.
For small areas, simply draw a diagram. For large tracts,
aerial photographs may be helpful.
Divide the map into individual sample areas of 20 acres
or less. Assign a short, permanent sample identification
name to each area that will help you remember its
location. Keep in mind that the sample ID space on the
soil test box is limited to five characters.
Each sample area should consist of only one general soil
type or condition. If a field varies in slope, color, drainage
or texture and if those areas can be fertilized separately,
submit a separate sample for each area ( Fig. 2).
If the field being sampled has been divided into sections
for various crops, submit a sample for each section—
even if you now plan to grow the same crop across the
entire field. Areas where liming or fertilizing patterns
have differed from the rest of the field should also be
sampled separately.
Enhancing
Land Productivity,
Nutrient Use Efficiency
& Environmental Quality
Figure 1. Nutrient management is critical for
optimum crop production.
For additional information, contact
NCDA& CS Agronomic Division
Soil Testing Section
Physical Address: 4300 REEDY CREEK RD
RALEIGH NC 27607- 6465
Mailing Address: 1040 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699- 1040
Phone: ( 919) 733- 2655
Web site: www. ncagr. com/ agronomi
Prepared by
David H. Hardy, Jeana Myers
& Catherine Stokes
revised August 2006
Colleen M. Hudak- Wise, Director
NCDA& CS Agronomic Division
Steve Troxler, Commissioner of Agriculture
When shipping several types of agronomic samples, Agronomic Division
package each type separately. For example, place soil
samples in one package, nematode assay samples in
another package, and plant/ waste/ solution samples in
yet another package. Make sure each package is
addressed to the appropriate laboratory.
Look for your soil test report( s) online. Just select
“ Find Your Report” from the left navigation bar on the
Agronomic Division’s home page www. ncagr. com/
agronomi. You will also receive a copy of the report in
the mail. For help interpreting reports, contact your
NCDA& CS regional agronomist.

Soil Testing
Reasons for Soil Testing
In North Carolina, most soils are naturally acidic and
low in nutrients. Both lime and fertilizer are required
for good plant growth and yield ( Fig. 1). Soil testing is
the best way to find out how much lime and fertilizer to
apply based on the crop and existing field conditions.
Without soil testing, managing crop nutrients is difficult
due to the complex nature of their interactions with the
soil. Acid soils, for example, can limit root growth and
cause certain nutrients to be unavailable for plants.
Unless soil acidity and pH are corrected through liming,
applying fertilizer may cause additional problems rather
than enhance yield.
Soil testing measures the soil’s nutrient- holding capacity
and provides a basis for sound land management
decisions. The lime and fertilizer recommendations
given on the soil test report are cost effective and help
optimize crop yield. Following these recommendations
also protects the environment by safeguarding against
excess fertilizer application.
Types of Soil Tests
The Agronomic Division of the N. C. Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services conducts soil tests
free of charge for all state residents. The tests can be
either predictive or diagnostic.
Predictive ( or routine) soil tests estimate the nutrient
requirements of the plants to be grown. Samples for
this kind of analysis are usually taken before the growing
season. The report provides site- specific lime and
fertilizer recommendations based on soil class, pH,
levels of nutrients in the soil, and crop requirements.
Diagnostic ( or problem) soil tests identify nutrient-related
problems that occur during the growing season.
They are like predictive soil tests, except that soluble
salt levels are also measured. Test results are reviewed
by a staff agronomist who makes recommendations for
adjustments in fertilization based on site- specific
circumstances.
N. C. Dept. of Agriculture
& Consumer Services 3,000 copies of this public document were printed
at a cost of $ 300.99 or $ 0.10 per copy.
A Strategy for Collecting Samples
Improperly collected soil samples are the weak link in
the soil testing process. For test results to be useful, the
sample must accurately reflect the variability and
conditions in the field. A sample from a single spot
cannot do this.
Before sampling, make a detailed map of your land.
For small areas, simply draw a diagram. For large tracts,
aerial photographs may be helpful.
Divide the map into individual sample areas of 20 acres
or less. Assign a short, permanent sample identification
name to each area that will help you remember its
location. Keep in mind that the sample ID space on the
soil test box is limited to five characters.
Each sample area should consist of only one general soil
type or condition. If a field varies in slope, color, drainage
or texture and if those areas can be fertilized separately,
submit a separate sample for each area ( Fig. 2).
If the field being sampled has been divided into sections
for various crops, submit a sample for each section—
even if you now plan to grow the same crop across the
entire field. Areas where liming or fertilizing patterns
have differed from the rest of the field should also be
sampled separately.
Enhancing
Land Productivity,
Nutrient Use Efficiency
& Environmental Quality
Figure 1. Nutrient management is critical for
optimum crop production.
For additional information, contact
NCDA& CS Agronomic Division
Soil Testing Section
Physical Address: 4300 REEDY CREEK RD
RALEIGH NC 27607- 6465
Mailing Address: 1040 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699- 1040
Phone: ( 919) 733- 2655
Web site: www. ncagr. com/ agronomi
Prepared by
David H. Hardy, Jeana Myers
& Catherine Stokes
revised August 2006
Colleen M. Hudak- Wise, Director
NCDA& CS Agronomic Division
Steve Troxler, Commissioner of Agriculture
When shipping several types of agronomic samples, Agronomic Division
package each type separately. For example, place soil
samples in one package, nematode assay samples in
another package, and plant/ waste/ solution samples in
yet another package. Make sure each package is
addressed to the appropriate laboratory.
Look for your soil test report( s) online. Just select
“ Find Your Report” from the left navigation bar on the
Agronomic Division’s home page www. ncagr. com/
agronomi. You will also receive a copy of the report in
the mail. For help interpreting reports, contact your
NCDA& CS regional agronomist.